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Israeli and German scientists have successfully created artificial silk using genetically engineered spider proteins. The new research may lead the way to the development of ultra light bulletproof vests, new surgical threads and micro-conductors, optical fibers and even new types of clothing.

PM Sharon: ‘Only Parties Which Support Disengagement Can Join Government Coalition’

Opposition Leader Peres: ‘Best Solution To Government Crisis Is Not An Early Election, But A New Pro-Disengagement Coalition’

New Labor Hopeful Peretz: ‘Take Ireland For Example’

The government crisis has deepened over Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s moves to pass the new state budget. After two far right parties bolted the coalition in protest over Sharon’s ‘Gaza+4’ withdrawal plan in Knesset, Sharon has made a budget payoff to the ultra-orthodox United Torah Judaism Party and possibly the NRP for their support in passing the budget this Wednesday. However, in response, the coalition party Shinui warns it will now vote against the budget; if it does Sharon will fire Shinui from the coalition. The government crisis worsens day by day.

U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman: ‘U.S. Financial Aid To Palestinians Will Likely Depend On Their Combating Terror and Incitement’

Knesset Law Committee Fails To Pass Evacuation Legislation

Likudniks Team Up With Arab MK To Block Government Bill

Analyst David Essing: ‘Although Embarrassing For Sharon, PM Can Act To Overcome Setback’

The vote in the Knesset Law Committee was a tie; eight-all on legislation needed to implement Sharon’s plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements by the end of 2005. Reporter David Essing says there was more than one big surprise in the tie vote: Likud hard-liners have vowed to fight Sharon’s withdrawal every step of the way. In the Knesset Law committee Arab Knesset Member Azmi Bishara, who surprisingly abstained in the vote to get Israeli settlers out of Gaza, joined them in defeating the bill.

General (ret.) Yaron: ‘Vital For Israel To Quickly Resolve Crisis With U.S. 0ver Israeli Arms Sale To China’ ‘Israel has Not harmed American Interests Or Policy: Solution Can Be Found Within a Month Or Two’

Labor MK Sneh: ‘The Spare Parts Sale Was Concluded In 1999 And Does Not Include ‘One American Nut Or Bolt’

The tension between Jerusalem and Washington over an Israeli arms sale to China has reached the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yaron, the Director General of the Defense Ministry, called it a crisis which could be resolved quietly with the U.S. in a month or two. However, several MKs criticized the Defense Ministry’s handling of the affair.

Senior IDF Officer: ‘Palestinians Have Fired Over Five Thousand Rockets and Shells At Israeli Settlements In Gaza During Four Years Of Violence’

In a briefing to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reviewed the current state of his political and military thinking. In addition to warning that the IDF will react very severely, if the Palestinians attack Israeli civilians during next year’s evacuation of the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, Sharon also took the wraps off several other burning issues.

‘Allegations That I Have Tied Hands Of IDF In Order To Help Palestinian Leader Muhmoud Abbas In Upcoming Election Are Malicious Lies’

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has warned he will order the IDF to hit back with massive fire-power, if Palestinians attack Israeli civilians evacuating the Gaza Strip next summer. Addressing the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Sharon made clear he would not tolerate mortar, rocket or any other type of attack on the Israeli families he is ordering to pull out. The Prime Minister made clear that the Israeli military will be prepared to do whatever it takes to stop any Palestinian assault during the pullback from all of the settlements in Gaza and four more on the West Bank. However, right wing critics still contend that Sharon is now restraining the IDF in the face of continuing Palestinian mortar and Qassam rocket attacks. Committee Chairman Yuval Steinitz of the Likud, later described the Prime Minister’s warning in the closed door hearing:

Analyst David Essing: ‘Snapshot Of Blair Visit Reveals More Of The Big Picture’

Where does Tony Blair’s visit and the reactions of Ariel Sharon and the Palestinian leaders reveal about where things are headed in the post-Arafat era? The endgame of the current international drive is the establishing of an independent Palestinian state. The foreign leaders, coming on their political pilgrimage to Israel and the Palestinian Authority after Arafat’s death, are coming with the message of ‘Carpe Diem’ - Seize the Day!’ Make no mistake, the U.S. mired in the quicksand of Iraq, is also on board. The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is now perceived as a must for a united stand against the global war against terrorism. And it is against this backdrop that U.S. President George W. Bush has spoken about the need for a Palestinian state in the Palestinian areas if peace is to reign in the region.

Canadian Justice Min. Cotler: ‘I Have Found New Winds Of Peace Are Blowing In Middle East’

‘My Message In Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan Will Be The Same - National Systems Of Justice Provide A Peace Dividend’

Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler is now on a whirlwind tour of Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. The former law professor, who is Jewish, is well known in the region; many top justice officials throughout the Middle East were his students at MaGill University in Montreal. Cotler is the first cabinet minister of the new Canadian government to visit the Middle East and he is bringing a message that Ottawa is ready to contribute in the quest for peace between Israel and a Palestinian state.

British PM Blair: ‘Palestinian Terrorism Must Stop If Peace Negotiations Are To Go Anywhere’

‘Anyone Who Doubts Sharon’s Sincerity Should Put Him To The Test’

PM Sharon: ‘Disengagement Is Not Last Stop - If Palestinians Halt Terrorism I’m Ready To Negotiate Everything In The Roadmap’

‘Israel Is A State Of Law And Disengagement Will Be Implemented On Schedule’

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has met with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Jerusalem and acting Palestinian leader Muhmoud Abbas in Ramallah before the Palestinian Presidential election on January 9th. Both Sharon and Blair appeared to see eye to eye on the need for an end to Palestinian terrorism and also that Israel’s upcoming withdrawal was not intended to be Jerusalem’s last word. The British Prime Minister stressed that the upcoming London conference would prepare the groundwork for the Palestinians and Israel to start negotiating the Roadmap peace proposal after the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip and 4 West Bank settlements by the end of 2005. Blair concurred with Sharon’s decision not to attend the conference, which is designed to discuss Palestinian reforms and foreign aid. Here are extensive excerpts from the joint news conference starting first with Blair’s comments on the London meeting:

Chief Of Staff Yaalon On Wallerstein: ‘I’m Very Worried About Calls To IDF Soldiers To Disobey Orders’

IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon has reacted sharply to calls by settler leader Pinhas Wallerstein and others to resist the Gaza withdrawal and for IDF soldiers to disobey orders for the evacuation. Attorney-General Menachem Mazzuz has ordered an enquiry into whether Wallerstein should be indicted for calling on settlers to resist the withdrawal without violence and be ready to go to prison if need be. In a briefing to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, General Yaalon said the IDF Advocate-General conducts an enquiry into every case where an innocent Palestinian has been hit by IDF gunfire and the report reaches his desk. At the briefing, a senior IDF intelligence officer revealed that sixty percent fewer Israelis have been killed by Palestinian suicide bombers this year.

Likud and Labor Wrap Up National Unity Government For Implementing Disengagement

U.S. President Bush Says Syria Will Have to Wait Until After Israeli-Palestinian Deal

After a week or so of wrangling, the ruling Likud party and Labor from the opposition have apparently wrapped up a new national unity government to carry out a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and 4 West Bank settlements. However, at the same time that Sharon was building a cabinet to approve the evacuation, the Palestinian terrorists were escalating their attacks. The IDF hit back, launching an operation into the Khan Yunis area. Despite the Palestinian escalation, Prime Minister Sharon called on the Palestinians to take advantage of the ‘great opportunity’ for peace after the death of Yasser Arafat. U.S. President George Bush repeated that Israeli-Palestinian peace was at the top of his agenda; however, Syria’s President Bashar Assad would have to get in the waiting line.

PM Sharon: ‘2005 Is A Year Of Unique Opportunity, One That Must Not Be Missed’‘Possibility Of Historic Breakthrough For Peace With Palestinians’ 'Iran and Syria Are Still Outside Middle East Peace Camp'

Analyst David Essing: ‘Sharon’s Upbeat Outlook Leaves Labor Little Choice But To Get On Board New Coalition’

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon presented an optimistic forecast for the year 2005. Addressing the Herzliya Conference, Sharon pledged to work for peace with the Palestinians spoke of peace with the Palestinians. In his first major address since the death of Yasser Arafat, the Prime Minister said it was possible for an Israeli and a Palestinian state to live in peace. However, a new and responsible Palestinian leadership must eliminate terrorism and incitement.

Deputy Defense Minister Boim: 'IDF On Verge Of Solution For Detecting Tunnels In Gaza Strip' 'Foreign Monitors Of Palestinian Election Will Be Given VIP Treatment'

IsraCast reported the IDF would have to ‘pull out all the stops and find a high-tech solution for detecting underground tunnels, after the Dec.12th explosion killed five Israeli soldiers and wounded six others in the Gaza Strip.In an exclusive interview with David Essing, Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Boim reveals that the IDF is on the brink of developing an effective counter-measure.Boim also says although the IDF will react to the current upsurge in Palestinian terrorism, the Palestinian election is also a factor. For her part, Israel is doing everything necessary to help ensure a free and fair ballot on January 9th. The IDF is going all out to find a counter-measure for detecting explosives tunnels, like the one that blew up the JVT position in the Gaza Strip. Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Boim analyzes the new situation.

Israel, Egypt And U.S. Sign Major Trade Deal

Israel To Restrain Retaliation After Palestinians Blow Up Israeli Position In Gaza, Killing Five Soldiers and Wounding Six Others

Engineering Experts: ‘There Is A High-Tech Solution To The Tunnels;

It’s A Matter Of Cost-Effectivesness For IDF Military Planners’

Analyst David Essing: ‘Israel And Moderate Palestinians Now In Twilight Zone Before Palestinian Election In January’

In the Gaza Strip, five IDF soldiers were killed and another six were injured, one critically, when Palestinian terrorists tunneled under an Israeli position and detonated more than a ton of explosives. The blast totally demolished the post which was manned by Israeli Muslim Bedouins who serve in the Desert Reconnaissance Battalion. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz held urgent consultations with the IDF Chief of Staff and Shabak Security Director and then ordered a series of localized retaliatory actions. For the first time since Arafat’s death, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has criticized the Palestinian leadership for not doing enough to halt the violence.At the same time, Analyst David Essing believes the latest tunnel attack will spur the IDF into finding a high-tech solution to the Palestinian use of tunneling as a tactic of warfare.

Explosive tunnels - a new and deadly tactic in Palestinian warfare against the IDF in the Gaza Strip.IDF military planners will now be forced to speed up a high-tech counter-measure to uncover tunnels packed by explosives which can be detonated under Israeli military positions or civilian sites.

After his decisive victory at the Likud convention, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon lost no time in inviting Labor, Shas and United Torah Judaism to join a new government coalition. The dramatic vote reversed an earlier decision three months ago, giving Sharon a 62-38% win. Although Likud cabinet minister Ehud Olmert says the inclusion of Labor will mean the Gaza withdrawal is now ‘in the bag’, MK Zvi Hendel of the National Union warns that Sharon’s brutal withdrawal tactics may trigger a civil war. David Essing has this analysis of what is being as an historic milestone in the country’s history:

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has won back his Likud party and apparently a new coalition. The door is now wide open, for Sharon to carry out a unilateral Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

FM Shalom:‘No Cease- Fire Negotiations Underway, But If Palestinians Halt The Terrorism, So Will Israel’ ‘Talk Of An International Convention Is Premature, It Is Not On The Agenda’

Is an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire about to be announced? An Egyptian news agency triggered news headlines by reporting that a truce is being finalized. However, both Israel and the Palestinians have denied the report and the Egyptian charge d’affaires in Israel says Egyptian officials are not the source of the story. In any case, Israel’s Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom has told IsraCast that Israel is ready for a cease-fire if the new Palestinian leadership halts the violence.

Arafat’s Death May Pave The Way To Israeli Rapprochement With Palestinians and Egypt

The Way To Baghdad May Lead Through Jerusalem and Gaza

Sharon Gains Netanyahu’s Backing For Bringing Labor Into Coalition And Possibly Paving The Way To Gaza Withdrawal

Throughout the region, the talk today is about the prospect the Middle East may be on the brink of compromise and peace, instead of embroiled in bloodshed and terrorism. The flurry of optimism has been triggered by Egypt’s dramatic release of the Israeli Druze citizen Azam Azam. But there are other moves afoot and David Essing has this analysis of why and where things may be headed.

Defense Minister Mofaz: ‘Co-Ordination With Palestinians On Gaza Withdrawal Can Be Platform For Future Withdrawals From Palestinian Towns’

‘Iran and Hizballah May Heat Up Lebanese Border To Torpedo Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue’

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz says Israel and the Palestinians may now be on the eve on a new and positive era. Addressing the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Mofaz spoke of new opportunities but he also warned that Iran and Hizballah may heat up the northern border in an effort to sabotage a peaceful dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians. In the south, the Defense Minister sees an important strategic relationship developing between Israel and Egypt.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warns that Iran is now stock-piling raw material to enrich uranium for its nuclear weapons program. Sharon issues the warning at a news conference with Israeli editors and reporters in Tel Aviv. The annual gathering commemorates the Nov. 29th U.N. Partition vote, which lead to the establishment of the modern day state of Israel.

PM Sharon: ‘Only Parties Which Support Disengagement Can Join Government Coalition’

Opposition Leader Peres: ‘Best Solution To Government Crisis Is Not An Early Election, But A New Pro-Disengagement Coalition’

New Labor Hopeful Peretz: ‘Take Ireland For Example’

The government crisis has deepened over Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s moves to pass the new state budget. After two far right parties bolted the coalition in protest over Sharon’s ‘Gaza+4’ withdrawal plan in Knesset, Sharon has made a budget payoff to the ultra-orthodox United Torah Judaism Party and possibly the NRP for their support in passing the budget this Wednesday. However, in response, the coalition party Shinui warns it will now vote against the budget; if it does Sharon will fire Shinui from the coalition. The government crisis worsens day by day.

Right Wing Can Implement Disengagement But Doesn’t Want To! Left Wing Wants To Implement The Withdrawal But Can’t! Right Winger Sharon Says He Wants To And Can! However, This Remains To Be Seen.

Time may be running out for Prime Minister Sharon. The opposition Labor party, headed by Shimon Peres has now decided to table a no-confidence over the government’s economic policy in light of statistics indicating that more Israelis are now living in poverty. So, will Sharon be able to survive in his uphill battle to muster a parliamentary majority to implement his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements. But this is only one of the Prime Minister’s headaches these days; Shinui leader Tommy Lapid threatens to bolt the coalition if Sharon makes a political payoff to an ultra- orthodox party for supporting the new draft budget.

U.S. Secretary Of State Powell: ‘Israel Has Reaffirmed Her Commitment To The Roadmap Peace Plan’

PM Sharon: ‘Israeli And Palestinian Officials To Meet Very Soon To Discuss How Israel Can Facilitate Palestinian Elections’

‘Dimona Nuclear Reactor Is Perfectly Safe’

The outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell paid a farewell visit to Jerusalem where he and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon were said to have had an emotional meeting. Sharon spelled out his approach to the new situation in the post Arafat era; whereas Powell reportedly said that Washington would continue her close ties with Jerusalem.

Two Israeli scientists have successfully developed a new technique for creating molecules that will be able to specifically target cancer cells. These molecules will replace some of the currently used chemotherapy treatments while avoiding most of the side effects caused by them.

Analyst David Essing: ‘Israel Soon To Face Gentle Persuasion From U.S. And International Community’

One week after Yasser Arafat’s death , all the signs are indicating that a new ball game has begun for Israelis and Palestinians. And the run up to the Palestinian elections scheduled for January will set the stage for what will follow.

‘Western’ Sub Is Detected And Warned Off By Israeli Navy After Violating Israel’s Territorial Waters

Mahmoud Abbas, widely touted as Yasser Arafat’s successor, sparked machine gun fire when he paid a condolence call at the Arafat ‘mourning tent’ in Gaza. Two of bodyguards were shot dead, apparently as a warning to Abbas who is considered to be a moderate opposed to the Palestinian terrorism. Meanwhile, out in the Mediterranean, there was some excitement of another kind.

MYSTERIOUS SUBMARINE

‘Western’ Sub Is Detected And Warned Off By Israeli Navy After Violating Israel’s Territorial Waters

Muhmoud Abbas, widely touted as Yasser Arafat’s successor, sparked machine gun fire when he paid a condolence call at the Arafat ‘mourning tent’ in Gaza. Two of bodyguards were shot dead, apparently as a warning to Abbas who is considered to be a moderate opposed to the Palestinian terrorism. Meanwhile, out in the Mediterranean, there was some excitement of another kind.

Former U.S. President Clinton: ‘There Has Not Been A Week I Have Not Thought of Him And Missed Him'

New Labor Party Leader Peretz: ‘I Pledge To Follow In The Path Of Yitzhak Rabin And Return To Oslo And End the Occupation’

An estimated 200,000 Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square at the site where the former Prime Minister was assassinated on November 4th 1995. Among those attending was former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his wife, U. S. Senator Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea. The U.S. President and the Israeli Prime Minister had become very close friends and Clinton, with tears in his eyes at times, spoke movingly about Rabin and the ultimate price he paid in his heroic quest for peace with the Palestinians.

The Israeli branch of the IBM Corporation recently announced that it has jointly developed with the Honda Motor Company a unique, hands-free speech recognition system that will provide driving directions, allow easy control over climate and entertainment systems and even suggest nearby restaurants to the driver. Beginning this month, the system will be available on three of Honda's models in the US and Canada.

IDF Chief Of Staff Moshe Ya’alon: ‘Opportunity For Peace If New And Responsible Palestinian Leadership Will Honor Its Commitments’

‘Reformists Ready For A Deal With Israel, But Terrorists Want To Continue Anarchy’

The official news that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will not be taken off his life-support system was taken in stride by Israel. When Arafat was flown to Paris in serious condition last week, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon instructed his cabinet ministers to clam up, in light of the delicate situation. Jerusalem has been in a ‘wait and see’ mode - not wanting to be accused of intervening in the Palestinians’ internal affairs. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya’alon did refer to what he called a new Middle East crossroad when he briefed the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

The Second Term Of U.S. President George W. Bush

What does the re-election of Pres. George W. Bush auger for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict? How is the the new Bush Administration likely to react if a new moderate and pragmatic Palestinian leadership takes over from Yasser Arafat? Ron Kampeas, JTA’s Washington Bureua Chief discusses these and other questions in a wide ranging interview with David Essing:

Palestinians:

‘Arafat Could Have Made Peace With Israel, But Refused New Palestinian Leadership May Want To Make Peace, But Can They?’

Israel: ‘Ruling Likud Party Being Torn Between Ideology And Pragmatic politics- Sharon Again Creating New Political Facts’

Pres. Bush ‘Will Offer New Palestinian Leaders Another Chance For State- But On Condition Of No More Terrorism’

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has now entered a new historic juncture. Three roads now intersect; optimists hope it will lead from the current battleground to a new and different landscape; the pessimists feel it will be more of the same.

An Israeli company is currently in the advanced stages of developing the next urban transportation vehicle that can take off vertically like a helicopter, fly in excess of 125 mph and hover safely right next to high-rise buildings. These capabilities will allow the X-Hawk, as it is called, to provide aerial medical access and evacuation, and can become a utility vehicle, civil and police patrol vehicle and even a flying taxi that will roam our skies in the not too distant future.

IDF Intelligence: ‘Terrorism Will Continue Despite Arafat’s Absence - Arafat Is Seriously Sick With Either a Virus or Cancer’

Israeli officials say they are not surprised by the latest suicide bombing in Tel Aviv despite the fact that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has been hospitalized in Paris. Three Israelis, two women and a man were murdered when a Palestinian suicide bomber blew up his explosives in the crowded open air Carmel market of Tel Aviv. More than 30 others were injured, some of them seriously. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon made clear that he holds Palestinian leaders responsible. At a briefing to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a senior IDF Intelligence officer spoke of the terrorism continuing despite Arafat’s absence. Although Israel has a lot of details, it is not enough for a diagnosis of the Palestinian leader’s condition.